The ongoing government shutdown in the United States is set to impact over 42 million families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In response to this crisis, DoorDash has initiated an Emergency Food Response through its Project DASH, aiming to deliver one million free meals and waive delivery fees for grocery orders made by SNAP recipients.
Starting from November, DoorDash will collaborate with more than 300 food banks and community organizations nationwide. The company plans to deliver one million meals through these partnerships, addressing immediate hunger needs for families affected by the potential suspension of SNAP benefits.
DoorDash has announced that it will waive merchant fees for its food bank partners, equating to an estimated one million meals provided throughout the month. Additionally, the company will cover delivery and service fees for approximately 300,000 grocery orders made by SNAP recipients in November. Customers who have linked their SNAP or EBT cards to their profiles can order from participating grocery stores such as Sprouts, Dollar General, and Wegmans, ensuring that they can access essential food items without incurring extra costs.
In a statement, Max Rettig, Vice President and Global Head of Public Policy at DoorDash, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “No one should go hungry in America — period. Millions of families are worried right now about how they’ll put food on the table.” He added that the initiative reflects DoorDash’s commitment to fighting hunger and supporting local economies.
Beyond meal delivery, DoorDash will also donate fresh produce, shelf-stable items, and household essentials from its DashMart locations to support local food banks in communities facing the greatest need. This initiative aims to provide immediate relief to families grappling with food insecurity during the shutdown, which is now one of the longest in U.S. history.
Rettig acknowledged that while DoorDash’s efforts are significant, they are merely a stopgap measure. “We know this is a stopgap, not a solution. But doing nothing simply isn’t an option,” he stated. The company is also urging Congress to come together to ensure continued funding for SNAP, which serves as the largest food aid program in the U.S.
DoorDash’s proactive approach underscores the increasing responsibility that private companies are taking to address societal challenges, particularly during times of governmental inaction. As the situation develops, many will be looking to both DoorDash and lawmakers for ongoing support and solutions to food insecurity.
